Rabat – While Moroccan fans continue to express disappointment over the new design of the 2018 Atlas Lions World Cup kits, Adidas believes that it has fulfilled the aspirations of Moroccan fans.

In a statement obtained by Morocco World News, Adidas said that the “inspiration behind these kits came from previous designs, with updates based on new fabrics and innovative technologies.”

Adidas and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) unveiled the new version of the kits on Thursday in the presence of Moroccan football players. The new design received a heavy backlash from Moroccan fans on social networking services.

However, Adidas is certain that it has met the aspirations and expectations of the Atlas Lions and their fans through the new design.

In the statement, Adidas Football Senior Director of Design Juergen Rank said that the “Atlas Lions fans have been waiting patiently for this World Cup to arrive. So we wanted to make sure that we could provide a kit that is authentically Moroccan while using the latest technology.”

Rank added that it was important for Adidas to make sure that the new design will fit “both the players and supporters, so that they are comfortable on the field and in the stands, in the stadium or on the street.”

“We believe that we have achieved this goal for Morocco,” he added.

The statement added that the shirts were made “in accordance with Adidas technology,” designed with “lightweight fabrics and air to evacuate heat and perspiration while keeping players cool and dry.”

Many football fans described the new version of the kits as too similar to Casablanca’s Widad Club’s jersey.

“They just copied the Widad jersey,” said one online commenter, while another commenter described the kits as a “shame.”

This is not the first time Moroccan fans criticized the Adidas kits. In April, football fans mocked the first uniform design, with former Moroccan footballer Abdeslam Ouaddou asserting that the jerseys require further development.

Slamming Adidas, Ouaddou said that the company should have devoted more time and energy to an appropriate design suitable to the Moroccan public.